First impressions really do count. Unfortunately, it is human nature to make quick judgments. However, with a little careful planning you can also turn this to your advantage. Do others have the impression that your IQ is way above average, or are they thinking, 'Well, he/she is definitely NOT the sharpest tool in the shed!' Regardless of your actual IQ score, you can make others believe that you are highly intellectual and here are four simple ways to do it.
1. Speak Rarely
A person who just can't keep a lid on it doesn't really give the impression of being intelligent. Oftentimes that person will just blurt out what's on his or her mind without really thinking. In fact, that person probably enjoys hearing the sound of his or her own voice. Just consider that a simple nod of the head can mean ten words. No need to make a production just to get a point across. By keeping your mouth shut, you will convey a sense of serenity and wisdom. Intelligence begins with as little words uttered as possible…
2. Listen Intently
This tip is a continuation of the first point. You're probably used to using grunts and unintelligible words to show your interlocutor you haven't fallen asleep. Sounds such as "Hunh", "hmm", yeah", "ah" are not words, so drop them from your vocabulary. Instead, replace your profound interjections with the more intelligible "I see", "yes, of course", "in fact" or "I agree". By using these terms, you are expressing your deep understanding of his or her monologue. Using interjections give the impression that you are actually learning something new. By expressing yourself properly, you are conveying the message that you fully grasp what is being said, and that no further explanation is necessary.
3. Avoid Answering Questions
If a conversation veers towards a more cultural or current events aspect, you will no doubt be asked to share your views ("Did you watch the news?"). If you have applied the two points mentioned above correctly, there is a strong chance your intellectual demeanor will receive your interlocutors' rapt attention… You will answer in the same sparsely worded manner. Lift your gaze casually and say something like: "The issue was well addressed". This is a perfect way to focus their attention on something they will be less eager to bring up in conversation, for fear of looking like fools. Generally speaking, only give information that you master completely and only speak when spoken to.
4. Keep Your Love Of Sports To A Minimum
A person gifted with wit is not usually enthralled with sports or other such "brainless activities". Nevertheless, nothing should prevent you from knowing a little about it, especially if you use it as a metaphor. Using expressions that contain sporting terms shows that the speaker enjoys a certain degree of sharpness and smarts. For example, if you wish to say that you have worked or done more than necessary, use the idiom "to be ahead of the game". "To carry the ball" implies to be responsible for a project or a business deal. In basketball terms, a "slam dunk" is a decisive action that was easy to accomplish. Why not a boxing term for example? To "throw in the towel" means to give up, to not pursue an objective. Do not forget, sprinkling expressions or English idioms into your conversations shows that you possess a theoretical mind and tact for analyzing a situation. These are indicative of a creative and witty mind.
If not all of this works and you still wish to appear intelligent then a simple solution is to mingle with idiots. At least in this way you may be the smartest of the batch!
